The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1887-04-09

She ran down the path and out into
the road. The horses had dashed on Dut
something of a wreck was perccptlDlc
short distance off.
Minerva thought she co I'D sec some
one lying by the roadside. She ran on
toward it at her utmost speed
"Oh. Jason, Jason" she moancd,
bending down over him.
Not dead. thank Heaven. only |
stunned, perhaps. She raised his head:
loosened his collar and asked herself
what next
Turning for q moment she looked back
down the road and saw some one going
in at her own gate. 1t was woman.
She flew back toward home to ak help
Of whomcver it might be.
II was Mrs. Darrell! She was very
| male. and addressed the girl anxiously.
.Tm afraid an accident has hap
pened Mr.. Hawkes.. His team ran
away" :,
"He is lying in the road unconscious"
| Minerva interrupted. "Wlll you heip
me some way to"
Let us go quickly" said the other.
| And so they had not lost an instant.
Jason had come to himself.
Gladly shaken up, that's all, he SAID
with an unnerved laugh, and, leaning on
their arms, limped back to Mlnerva's
home.
Minerva drew up the arm-chair in the
sittinp-room, and left him there with
Mrs. Darrell, going herself into the
kitchen TO make cooling drink for her
guests, perforce.
Through the open door between the
rooms She could herr Jason's voice
gloomy and disturbed.
Good thing, perhaps, if had been
, killed. Wouldn't have cared much"
''Oh, hut you shouldn't say that, " the
, soft voice of Mrs Darrell replied. ~ on
ought to care. Things may come right,
you know
Minerals heart seemed to twist up
| within her in a sudden jealous frenzy.
, She could fancy Just how the widows
dark, soft eyes were gazing into his !;
lust how her white and graceful hand
= lay on his arm.
Yes, things might come right. But
s why should Jason speak gloomlly! She
5 had given him his freedom.
The hand with which she offered him
= the glass of lemonade shook percep-
v tibly.
Dld Jason observe it.
a 81 am going away to morrow, Miss
Woodford," he said. rather stiliy. per
n haps Imay carry your good wishes with
n me. l greatly regret having made you
,r this trouble"
d The widow had slipped out on thu
porch.
~ sit is no trouble whatever Mr.
:. Hawkes.. " replied Minerva.
"Miss Woodford," said a soft, smooth
y voice from out among the roses: won't
" YOU please come out here moment!'
Minerva obeyed.
"A The widow came near the girl and lat
lv her gentle hand upon her arm.
70 II have heard so much of you," sh
id said, in low tone. 81 feel as II W
,d might be friends. 1 have been tryin
to come and see you for so long; l wa
or on nv way this morning. I'm afrai'
YOU feel unkindly toward poor Jason
Please. don't feel so. He has not bee
A0 to blame"-
uu Minerals heart was boiling within he
. She answered with an effort.
ooss ~ was not aware of any unkind fee
''' ings. 1t can interest you very little no
-v l feel"
,er ooh, but pardon me. 1t interests N
,as exceedingly"
on "Ohr said Minerva, with suddt
he sarcasm. ''To be sure. forgot. w
nd you permit me to congratulate NJ
in Hawkesl"
ole Mrs Darrell looked perplexed.
Congratulate? For WHAT"
the "Upon his engagement to you," sa
for Minerva with little gasp.